Nissan X-Trail vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Nissan X-Trail starts from $37,750 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport opens at $52,990. That makes the Nissan X-Trail the more affordable entry point by $15,240.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $41,525 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Nissan X-Trail by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan X-Trail packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan X-Trail and 7 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan X-Trail features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Nissan X-Trail lines up producing 135kW and 244Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport responds with a Diesel making 133kW and 430Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds.
The Nissan X-Trail has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 133kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan X-Trail is 3.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan X-Trail measures 4,680mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 105mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport at 4,785mm (2,800mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 205L in the Nissan X-Trail and 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, giving the Nissan X-Trail a 74L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 782L vs 1500L.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport leads with a 3,100kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail and $2,309/year for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Nissan X-Trail.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Nissan X-Trail) vs $2,309 (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport). The Nissan X-Trail saves you roughly $200 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan X-Trail) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport if: You value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan X-Trail takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Nissan X-Trail will save you roughly $200 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Nissan X-Trail has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport?
The Nissan X-Trail is the cheapest at $37,750 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport by $15,240.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan X-Trail uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Nissan X-Trail has the largest boot at 205L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan X-Trail makes the most power at 135kW. The Nissan X-Trail is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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